Up-and-coming Sydney Swans ruckman Darcy Cameron will realise “something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid” when he runs out for his AFL debut on Saturday.

The 23-year-old grew up in Albany at the southern tip of Western Australia as a full-blooded West Coast supporter idolising Eagles champions Dean Cox and Chris Judd.

Cameron was a star swimmer and cricketer in his youth but from the age of six only ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of the West Coast greats.

And he will realise an AFL dream of his own as Sydney takes on the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG.

Cameron says it will make for a special moment.

“To be able to achieve this and run out with the boys – words can’t describe how happy I am,” Cameron said.

“Mum and dad were a bit emotional when I called home. I could hear a crack in dad’s voice and mum was bawling her eyes out. They were over the moon.”

Coach John Longmire broke the news to Cameron in Thursday’s team meeting.

The morning training session had just wrapped up and the entire playing and coaching staff crammed in to the meeting room as the 204-centimetre giant was told he’d become the fifth Swan this season to make his debut.

“It was a pretty amazing way to find out,” Cameron said.

“I wasn’t expecting it one little bit and it was a pretty special moment.”

Cameron signed with Sydney via pick 48 at the 2016 national draft off the back of outstanding form for WAFL club Claremont.

The Western Australian was tipped to sign with West Coast but Sydney big man Toby Nankervis departed for Richmond and the towering Tom Derickx hung up the boots, opening the door for Cameron to bolster the Swans’ ruck stocks.

But his first season in Swans colours was hampered by injury, with a shoulder trouble and infected finger limiting the newcomer to just nine NEAFL games in 2017.

Cameron said the injury-riddled run made for a difficult season.

“It was pretty frustrating not being able to get the best out of myself after I injured my shoulder in the early rounds of the year,” Cameron said.

“And to go into surgery halfway through the year was pretty disappointing.

“You see a few boys make it, get their chance and earn their opportunity and I wanted to be a part of that as well. It’s pretty upsetting. You want to be out there helping the boys and trying to get a spot in the seniors.

“But it feels all the more special now I’ve worked really hard for it.”

Glowing form in the NEAFL this season has paved the way for Cameron’s debut.

He has averaged 34 hit-outs, 19 possessions and a goal across 13 games and was at his best in a clash with Gold Coast in Round 11, storming to 26 touches, 33 hit-outs and three goals as Sydney collected a 67-point win.

Cameron says childhood hero Cox, who joined the Swans as a midfield coach ahead of season 2018, has played a big hand in his hot run of form.

“It’s pretty special to be working under him now,” Cameron said.

“He’s one of the best ruckman to have ever played the game. To be able to learn from him is unbelievable. Big credit to him – he’s helped me with my football this year and I’m glad he’s here working with us.

“I knew I’d learn a lot from him and the way he went about the game. I’m stoked I’m able to learn from the best.”

Cameron's mum and dad, brother and four Western Australian mates will cheer on the debutant from the stands of a packed SCG.

“It’ll be an unbelievable feeling with the crowd here and my family and friends here supporting me.”